Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Maroc Telecom and Inwi have signed a strategic agreement to expand fiber-optic infrastructure and deploy 5G technology across Morocco. The partnership includes the creation of FiberCo and TowerCo, aimed at improving internet access and strengthening Morocco’s digital infrastructure. This initiative represents a major step in the country’s digital transformation.
Oujda has emerged as Morocco’s leader in internet speeds, achieving an average download speed of 65.74 Mbps, followed by Fes and Agadir. The report highlights a significant variation in performance between major cities like Rabat and Casablanca. Maroc Telecom continues to dominate as the fastest mobile provider in the country.
Crown Prince Hussein chaired a meeting urging the National Council for Future Technology to enhance digital infrastructure and align with technological needs. He emphasized the importance of using data and advanced technology to improve health services, productivity, and efficiency in the sector. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan also attended.
NPSERT and CSRI Nepal have provided suggestions to enhance Nepal’s e-Governance Blueprint 2081, focusing on strengthening institutional frameworks, improving cybersecurity, and ensuring citizen trust. Recommendations include creating a national data center, improving rural infrastructure, and implementing digital literacy programs to bridge the digital divide.
North Africa saw significant improvements in fiber broadband deployment and performance in 2024, with Egypt leading in broadband speed. Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia also made notable progress, expanding fiber networks and improving speeds. Tunisia became the first in the region to launch 5G, further boosting connectivity.
Algeria aims for AI to contribute 7% of its GDP by 2027, with investments in AI, robotics, and cybersecurity startups. The government is enhancing digital infrastructure with 4G and fiber optic networks, aiming to boost economic productivity and position Algeria as a leader in AI and technological innovation.
Egypt’s telecom services saw significant improvements in Q4 2024, with better voice and data transmission. The country also received the 2024 Speedtest Award for Africa’s fastest fixed internet. As part of its digital infrastructure expansion, Egypt is replacing copper cables with fiber optics to enhance broadband speeds across the nation.
Nigeria plans to deploy 90,000km of fibre optic cables starting in 2025, backed by a $700 million funding boost. This expansion aims to increase internet access to 70% of the population, reduce internet costs by 60%, and connect over 200,000 educational, healthcare, and social institutions.
Orange and Telesat have partnered to integrate Telesat Lightspeed’s satellite technology into Orange Wholesale’s global portfolio, providing low-latency, secure connectivity solutions. This collaboration will enhance connectivity in underserved regions, combining advanced satellite technology with Orange’s expertise to boost resilience and digital inclusion in remote areas across Europe, Africa, and beyond.
Egypt has been awarded the title of the fastest fixed internet in Africa for 2024 by Ookla at MWC 2025. The country’s investments in digital infrastructure have significantly improved internet speeds, with a major project underway to replace copper cables with fiber optics, extending high-speed access to rural areas.